Author Archives: Jennie

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About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.

‘Donut Party’ and Much More

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Jennie

We had our year-end event with families this week.  It was the first time in two years that families, children, and teachers were all together.  It was wonderful.  Children called it the ‘Donut Party’, because they knew doughnuts would be … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 78 Comments

The Last Day, and She Won’t Go Home

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Jennie

Today was the last day of school for children.  There were floods of tears from children, and also parents.  Hugs were like the jaws of life.  Pick-up on the playground at the end of the day was emotional for everyone. … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 82 Comments

Self Portraits

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Jennie

My favorite year-end art project, children drawing a picture of themselves and comparing it to the drawing they made at the start of the school year. Look at how they’ve grown! Jennie

Posted in art, preschool, Teaching young children, Uncategorized, wonder | Tagged , , | 67 Comments

a wish for my students on their last day.

Posted on June 11, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
“there is nothing wrong with loving the crap out of everything. negative people find their walls. so never apologize for your enthusiasm. never.ever.ever. -ryan adams ? may you all live…

Posted in Uncategorized | 33 Comments

A Year of Chapter Reading, 2022

Posted on June 11, 2022 by Jennie

Here is my newsletter to parents about our year of chapter reading.  It’s the best part of the day in the classroom. Chapter Reading June 10, 2022 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day.  We bring … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 48 Comments

A Package From the White House!

Posted on June 9, 2022 by Jennie

My class loves singing, and this year “God Bless America” has been a favorite song.  How do I know?  Children sing it from the loft in the classroom, and when using the bathroom.  They sing it while building with toys, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism, quilting, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 75 Comments

Pen-Pal Explosion

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Jennie

Our Pen-Pal Wall Back in April, when school was celebrating children around the world, it struck me that reaching out to other children would be a wonderful thing to do.  We could write letters, send cards, get to know each … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Learning About the World, literacy, preschool, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , | 45 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Jennie

I was ready to write a blog post, but first I always read my comments and notices from fellow bloggers. Low and behold, there was this blog post. Thank you, Theresa on Soul Gatherings.  It bowled me over. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 34 Comments

Daily Quip

Posted on June 2, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on Butterfly Sand:
You only truly get old when you stop believing.

Posted in Uncategorized | 24 Comments

Playdough

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Jennie

Playdough is much better when it becomes a melting pot of colors. People are, too. Jennie

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments